We love this girl!

It all started this summer!

The school had a program this summer set up that any child under the age of 18 could eat Breakfast and lunch at school for free every day. Chris was at school already heading up summer school and I had just had Adalyn, so I was all about not having to fix lunch everyday! So, every afternoon we would walk over to the school so the kids could eat lunch in the cafeteria with the summer school kids!

One particular teacher fell in love with our kids and would always come over and steal Adalyn from me! She loved to hold her and everyday, I would sit and chat with her. Chris and I were talking about our trip back to MI and she mentioned how fun that sounded. One thing lead to another and before we knew it, we had made plans for her to come to MI with us for the summer. I figured anyone willing to travel 32 hours in a car with Chris & I, our four kids and our Golden Retriever must be crazy (which isn't a bad thing...I think I'm pretty crazy myself)!

I have to be honest and say, there were times when I thought "this could be a disaster". I didn't know this person very well and I was going to be spending a lot of time in a car with her and if our personalities clash, I'm going to be stuck with her for a few weeks. But, I was excited about it too. If you know anything about Chris & I, you realize we are pretty laid back, crazy and often do things "normal" people wouldn't do. Like taking someone you don't know very well on a family vacation. Or going on vacation for a month after you lose your job. Or living on daycare income while going to school full time. Or moving 1900 miles in 2 1/2 weeks. Or getting a puppy while on vacation. Or....I'm sure all of you can add your own "crazy" things Chris & I have done:-) In all honesty, it's one of the things I LOVE about my husband. I love that together we put ourselves out there and take risks a lot of people would be scared to take. In return we have had some great adventures and made some great memories for ourselves and our children.

Anyway, back to this person!

I have to say taking her on vacation this summer was one of the best things we have done! I feel so honored to have this person in my life. She has become family to us! She adores my children, she has a heart of gold and goes out of her way to help us in lots of small ways, she is a great friend and I don't think she realizes just how special she is to our family. And the best thing is she moved into a house three doors down from us so we get to bug her all of the time:-)

If you had the wonderful privelege of meeting her this summer when we were home or if you are lucky enough to live near her out in Arizona, you know I'm talking about Alissa! We love this girl and I feel so blessed to have her in our life!

The only beef I have with her is that she teaches English as a second language in Kindergarten which means Raelyn won't be able to have her as a teacher next year! We've considered teaching Raelyn spanish this summer so she can be in her class next year but Raelyn isn't too keen on repeating all the spanish words I keep trying to teach her!!

Tonight after coaching basketball she came over and cut Raelyn's hair for me! Raelyn was WAY past due for a good hair cut and Alissa came to the rescue!

Here are some pictures:

Alissa cutting Raelyn's hair.

Alissa & Raelyn with her new haircut! Aren't they both cute:-)